Are there gay, stripper veterans? Lawmakers in Oregon vote to aid gay veterans, strippers

2015-07-07T09:22:24-04:00

A new LGBT coordinator at the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs would help gay veterans apply for a change in their discharge status. An honorable discharge is generally required to qualify for many state and federal veterans benefits, including those of the G.I. Bill. Gays and lesbians were not allowed to serve openly in the military until 2011.

Advocates say veterans have a disproportionate number of discharge appeals pending.

"I have personally served with folks who were discharged because of their orientation," said Rep. Paul Evans, a Democrat from Monmouth and retired Air Force major. "Only two things really matter: Are they serving as well as they possibly can? And are they doing everything they can while they're there to make a better and stronger society?" he added.

http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/lawmakers-in-oregon-vote-to-aid-gay-veterans-strippers-1.356708

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Jul 7 at 2015 9:23 AM

2015-07-07T09:23:52-04:00

WTF-Over?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 7 at 2015 9:40 AM

2015-07-07T09:40:00-04:00

Okay, so when I read the article, I see two different issues discussed; it isn't gay stripping Veterans. The first issue discussed is the bill to appoint someone within the VA to assist the LGBT community navigate any red tape if they choose to try and get their discharge upgraded. The second and totally separate issue is a bill that would create a hotline for strippers to report issues at the club. So I would stay that the title of the article is a little misleading to say the least unless I'm reading things wrong.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Jul 7 at 2015 11:31 AM

2015-07-07T11:31:11-04:00

In before too many people don't read the article and just react to the topic headline instead as confirmation that all of their darkest fears are true.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 7 at 2015 12:55 PM

2015-07-07T12:55:52-04:00

I understand the need for veterans who received less than honorable discharges wanting to get them upgraded. But WTF does that have to do with hemp farming and stripper rights??? The way I read the article, those 2 things (hemp farming and stripper rights) were attached to the veteran's discharge upgrade bill despite not having anything at all to do with it. Or am I reading too much into it?

Response by LTC John Mohor made Aug 9 at 2018 11:15 PM

2018-08-09T23:15:02-04:00

I'm just glad I don't currently live in Oregon!